Last-Minute Voting Plan: 7 Key Steps For Election Day
The big day is coming this week, ladies. We all know the importance of having an Election Day voting plan, especially at this critical time when the nation is facing some major transitions to impact us all. If you're one of the late-comers to voting, it's OK sis. We've got you covered with this quick guide to get you on the right track. Here are 7 steps to take to cast your vote by or on Election Day:
1. Make sure you're registered.
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Check the National Association of the Secretaries of State's "Can I Vote" site or visit USA.gov to confirm. Voting regulations and rules vary by state so it's also a good idea to check your local or state office Websites for up-to-date information relevant to where you live.
2. Missed your state's registration deadline? Research your options.
Some states allow residents to register and vote on the same day. (Check out more information on that here, and confirm information via your local and state sites.) Also, according to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, voters who are told, at the polls, that they are not on the registered voters list can still cast a provisional ballot. Again, each locality has its own laws and regulations on how these are handled, so be sure to look into your options and ask questions accordingly.
3. Find your polling location.
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You want to be sure you're at the correct poll based on where you reside and are registered. The Federal Voting Assistance Program's site offers a listing to find out where you should go to cast your vote in person.
4. If voting by mail, get your ballot postmarked as soon as possible.
(Many of the deadlines for absentee ballots have passed, but some have not, so look up the deadlines for your state. Also, if you're a first-time voter, some states have stipulations on absentee ballots. You can check your options here.)
For mail-in ballots, most states have set a Nov. 3 postmark deadline. There are fears that there will be USPS delays, so if you're still sitting on that mail-in ballot and you're reading this, get to the post office ASAP. You can also vote in-person with your mail-in ballot, or check out your options for dropping off the ballot here.
5. Do your research on candidates beyond presidential.
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In the current atmosphere, where many are pretty adamant about who will get their vote to become the next U.S. president, it's still important to know who you will vote for in the local and state spots (ie. the U.S. Congress as well as your state legislators). These officials make important decisions that impact your daily life. You are allowed to take notes into the polling station, so jot down who you will vote for or notes on the candidates you find favorable. This will take care of the stress of it all and make remembering who you'll vote for a cinch. You can research who's on the ballot for your community here or here.
6. Make sure you have proper documentation.
Most states require a government-issued ID, but the rules on the type can vary from state to state. For example, some allow non-photo identification (such as a birth certificate) while others mandate a driver's license or passport. You can find out the documentation rules of your state via its respective election site. (Try the NCSL site to find your state's election site to confirm requirements.) For more information on voter ID regulations and rules, visit Vote.org and be sure to know the respective laws in regard to IDs, especially if you're in the military, are disabled, or you're currently overseas.
7. If voting in person, plan for Election Day essentials.
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Pack those snacks and water, a mask (or two), hand sanitizer, and any other item that might make a wait in line much more tolerable. Also, it might be a good idea to even bring a foldable chair or stool to sit on. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and prepare for the weather. Plan your day accordingly, including ensuring you've scheduled out time from work or set-up proper childcare. Many states include legal provisions for taking time off from work to vote, so be diligent in finding out the policies for requesting leave to vote. It might even be a good idea to go in a pair or group (keeping to the six-feet social distancing rule of course.)
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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